September is Suicide Prevention Month September 8-14 is National Suicide Prevention Week September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day September 13 is Positive Thinking Day
Volunteering: Healing Through Helping
While self-care and mental health often focus on introspection and self-help, volunteering is a powerful yet often overlooked resource for enhancing well-being. By helping others, we also help ourselves. Volunteering pushes us out of our comfort zones, allowing us to develop new skills and build self confidence as we see the positive impact we can make. Additionally, it fosters genuine connections based on shared values and missions, offering a sense of belonging and camaraderie that boosts our mental health. Through these connections, we are reminded that we are not alone in our struggles, creating a supportive network that enhances our emotional well-being.
Volunteering also helps counteract negative emotions associated with mental health challenges, like depression and anxiety. By focusing on others, we shift our perspective from personal struggles to gratitude for our own blessings, fostering resilience and equipping us to handle life’s challenges. As we seek mental wellbeing, we must recognize the transformative potential of helping others. Embracing volunteering is a win-win strategy that impacts both our communities and ourselves, providing healing for the self through helping others.
Updates in the Mental Health Sphere and DAISY’s World
National Grief Awareness Day: An Opportunity for Honoring Loss and Healing
August 30th, National Grief Awareness Day, offers a poignant reminder of the universal experience of loss and the importance of supporting those who are grieving. Established to acknowledge the various forms of grief individuals may endure — from the loss of a loved one to the aftermath of significant life changes — this day serves as an opportunity for education, compassion, and healing. One of the primary objectives of National Grief Awareness Day is to promote understanding and empathy towards those who are grieving. It encourages open conversations about loss and provides an opportunity for individuals to share their experiences without fear of judgment or misunderstanding. By raising awareness about grief, we can create a more supportive environment where people feel validated in their emotions and supported in their journey toward healing. Also, understanding that grieving a loss is a process helps us remember to continue to reach out to those who have grieved a loss in the past; grief may still be recurring and checking in with them can show support and stave off feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Updates in the Mental Health Sphere and DAISY’s World
You can visit our new website and YouTube channel, but they are still under renovation! You can also still keep up with us through this newsletter and our socials.
In light of National Eat Outside Day, “Spending time in nature — even as little as 10 minutes — can yield short-term benefits for adults with mental illness, according to a new study published in the peer-reviewed journal Ecopsychology.”
Thank you for joining us on this mental health journey! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn to stay up to date.
Having regular conversations about mental health to break the stigma
July 3rd is Start the Conversation Day, which makes it a great day to have conversations about mental health. LaShawn Paul, founder of Start the Conversation Day, founder and lead clinician of Social Work Diva said in an interview for Bustle, “It takes one person to start the conversation, but everyone else has to be willing and open and vulnerable.” Start the Conversation with your friends and loved ones on mental health, and be willing to listen when they share – whether it’s sharing personal experiences, discussing new statistics, or providing valuable information. It can be intimidating to have these uncomfortable conversations, but the more often you do it the less uncomfortable they will become.
Talking about mental health can help you and those you tell feel less alone. It can really deepen your emotional connections with your loved ones when you share your mental health struggles, stories, or coping strategies. Sharing experiences can create a sense of solidarity and reassurance, dispelling feelings of isolation and fostering empathy.
Moreover, discussing mental health openly helps break down the barriers of stigma that still surround these issues. Each conversation serves as a small yet powerful step toward challenging misconceptions and normalizing discussions about mental well-being. As conversations become more frequent and normalized, the stigma surrounding mental health diminishes, paving the way for greater acceptance and support within communities.
While it’s natural to feel hesitant or uncomfortable at first, the benefits of starting the conversation outweigh the initial discomfort. Talking about mental health not only enhances personal well-being but also contributes to a more compassionate and understanding society. So, on Start the Conversation Day and beyond, let’s embrace the opportunity to speak openly and compassionately about mental health, fostering connections and breaking down stigma one conversation at a time.
DAISY’s Random Acts of Kindness These are some ways DAISY is spreading kindness this month
Talking about mental health with her friends of course! She is starting the conversation! She is also going to be listening actively when they share about mental health.
Sharing information and resources on mental health – like this article on gratitude.
Connecting with her friend by practicing self care together. DAISY will help break the stigma by sharing her favorite self care activities with her friend – like reading a book she enjoys with a hot tea.
The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation has some other great ideas, and they even have a calendar with a different act of kindness every day!
Thank you for joining us on this mental health journey! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn to stay up to date.
June is LGBTQ+ Pride Month! June 27 is PTSD Awareness Day
Announcements
We are gearing up for Mental Health Resources Day 2025, to be held in Houston again. We are so grateful for our participants in our 2024 event, and hope to have even more speakers and more fun in 2025.
If you or someone you know would like to speak, provide sponsorship, or otherwise get involved with our MHRD 2025, you can respond to this email or reach out to seanda@proton.me Please also share our flyer!
Just a Piece of You
How “just” puts a lid on you and those around you
“I am just a student.” “They are just a cashier.” “I am just a civil engineer.”
Most of us have found ourselves saying something like that. Whether we’re trying to put ourselves down or simply downplay our accomplishments, the word “just” tends to sneak into our vocabulary more often than we realize. But what if I told you that every time you use that word, you’re inadvertently putting a lid on your own potential and diminishing the uniqueness of those around you?
In a world where labels often define us, it’s easy to fall into the trap of reducing ourselves and others to mere titles or roles. But the truth is, behind every “just” lies a wealth of experiences, talents, and aspirations waiting to be acknowledged and celebrated.
Take the example of a student. Sure, they may spend their days buried in textbooks and lectures, but they’re also dreamers, thinkers, and future leaders in the making. By slapping a “just” in front of their identity, we limit their potential and overlook the countless ways in which they contribute to the world around them.
Similarly, when we refer to someone as “just a cashier” or “just a civil engineer,” we fail to recognize the complexity of their skills and the value they bring to their respective fields. Behind the uniform or the job title lies a person with a unique story, passions, and talents that extend far beyond the confines of their profession.
But it’s not just about how we perceive ourselves—it’s also about how we perceive others. When we label someone as “just” anything, we place them in a box, effectively shutting out the possibility of seeing them for who they truly are. This not only limits our understanding of their potential but also perpetuates stereotypes and undermines the richness of human diversity.
So the next time you catch yourself using the word “just,” pause for a moment and consider the implications. Instead of diminishing yourself or those around you, embrace the full spectrum of human potential and celebrate the uniqueness of every individual.
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As the semester draws to a close and summer vacation approaches, it is becoming increasingly hotter across the United States. Because of the heat, it can be more uncomfortable and difficult to exercise, especially if you lack access to an indoor gym. There are a myriad ways to beat the heat and keep your physical health in mind this summer though!
Hydration is of course the most important thing to keep in mind as you sweat or spend time in the sun. Make sure to drink plenty of water before, during, and after exercise and outdoor activities. It can also be beneficial to consume electrolyte-replenishing drinks and foods, like pickle juice and bananas. Even swimming uses your body’s water stores, so plan to be drinking a lot of water as you stay active this summer.
Timing your outdoor activities can help you avoid the hottest parts of the day. Early in the morning is typically the coolest part of the day, and also touts the lowest UV index, so you can worry less about getting sunburnt as well. There are many weather apps and websites that can show you the temperature and UV index by the hour, so you can plan out your day based on the given information; it may not be entirely accurate, but these weather apps give you the best chance for minimizing heat and UV exposure.
Indoor workouts are also a great option, even if you do not have access to equipment. There are so many great Youtube videos for workouts tailored to a variety of different needs, whether they are no equipment, limited mobility, or “beginner friendly.” Pilates and yoga can be great starting points. If a certain video or “influencer” doesn’t fit your physical or mental needs, look for some that do! It is important to find exercises that motivate you, make you feel good, and are good for your wellbeing.
It is great to keep your body moving and to keep physical exercise in your life when possible, but as the seasons change, our bodies and mindsets change. It is okay to change your workout routine, and we recommend keeping hydration, timing, and alternative exercises in mind in the coming months.
DAISY’s Random Acts of Kindness
These are some ways DAISY is spreading kindness this month
Helping a friend clean. DAISY helped her friend do some Spring cleaning! Cleaning with a friend is not only quicker, but more fun!
Picking up litter. When DAISY goes for a walk and sees a piece of trash, she safely disposes of it! She put in extra effort this month to pick up more litter when she is out of the house. Remember: safety first. Wear gloves when picking up litter, and be extra careful with any glass.
Donating the clothes she no longer wears. DAISY’s spring cleaning made her realize she has some clothes that no longer fit her or her her style. She has no ideas to “upcycle” or alter these items to help fit her life currently, so she is going to donate them to a local secondhand shop.
The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation has some other great ideas, and they even have a calendar with a different act of kindness every day!
Thank you for joining us on this mental health journey! Follow us Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn to stay up to date.
April is appropriately deemed the National Stress Awareness Month… taxes, end of the semester approaching, allergies. We’re not going to tell you not to stress about these things -stress is a part of life and manageable stress can even be beneficial for your health. We are going to tell you some ways to help cope with and reduce the effects of your stress.
Physical health is a big part of managing stress, from exercise to nutrition and sleep. Physical activity is our number one recommendation for stress management! Especially if you can pair exercise with nature. Taking a walk around a park, roller skating at a skate park, hiking, and doing yoga in your backyard are all great examples of how to pair exercise with nature to help produce “happy hormones” and reduce the feelings of stress on your body. There are other ways to get moving though – dancing, cleaning, playing tag, and numerous other activities are great for your physical and mental wellbeing. Eating enough nutrient-rich foods is also important; without enough of the right nutrients, our bodies struggle to handle stress. Fiber has been shown to be incredibly important in maintaining gut health, which in turn helps take care of our brain’s health! Leafy greens, fruits and vegetables are great sources of fiber and should be incorporated into your diet when possible. Your diet is vital for your physical and mental health. Sleep is also very important, because our bodies use sleep to maintain our brains, immune systems, and memories. Getting enough sleep (typically 7-9 hours are recommended) and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule can be beneficial for your mental health and ability to manage stress. Your physical health is one of the most important factors in coping with stress.
DAISY’s Reading
The Cuckoo’s Egg: Tracking a Spy Through the Maze of Computer Espionage by Clifford Stoll
The Cuckoo’s Egg is about an astronomer (Cliff Stoll) working as a systems manager at Lawrence Berkley Lab who finds an unwelcome visitor on Lawrence’s computer systems. With some help from the CIA, FBI, and foreign intelligence agencies, he unveils the hacker and the people supporting them.
This book is a bit of a long read but it is quite a page-turner! DAISY wanted to keep reading to find out what Stoll and the hacker would do next. A really interesting read from a time before the internet was as accessible as it is now.
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¹ *trigger warning: discussion of self harm* https://www.inspiremalibu.com/blog/mental-health/march-self-injury-awareness-month/
²*trigger warning: discussion of self harm* https://www.lifesigns.org.uk/siad/
Mental Health Resources Day
January 13th is Mental Health Resources Day, and we celebrated this year with our inaugural MHR Day Fair. We are so pleased that we were able to pull off this event, and we could not have done it without the dedicated members of the Houston community and the mental health space. We would like to thank the following individuals and groups:
Be Smart (Isha Archer)
Disability Rights Texas (LaRita Lockhart-Brown)
Houston CIRT/Houston Police Department Mental Health Division
Janssen Neuroscience (Hannah Yterdal)
Kingwood Pines Hospital (Monica Garcia-Guinessey)
Mosaic Tree Counseling (Warren Barrett)
MoveNation Dance Academy (Jennifer San Miguel)
Once Ann Again Therapy (Jessica Johnson)
Westpark Springs (Marie Morrow) James Ellis Jr. – NAMI
Zayna Fulton – SAMHSA
Niesy Bevilacqua – MuttsTraing
Margaret Alvarez – My Artsy Coach
Jessica Johnson, Psycotherapist/CEO – Once Ann Again Therapy
“Pawsitive” Mental Health Practices
How pets and pet therapy can benefit your mental health
Having pets or visiting with animals can be beneficial to your mental health in a myriad of ways. Petting or cuddling can help you feel happier, calmer, and less anxious¹. Some pets can also provide you with a sense of purpose, a routine, and a reason to go outside or play more. If your pet needs to be fed every day, taken for a walk, etc., it can give you more motivation to have healthy practices.
For those that don’t have a pet of your own, there are some other ways to benefit from animals or pets, like going to your local zoo (you could even look for a petting zoo!), volunteering at a local animal shelter, walking in a neighborhood where a lot of people walk their dogs (you could make two friends – a dog and their owner!). Going outside in general is a great way to feel connected to animals – could you learn what birds live in your area and practice identifying them? Animals and pets are more beneficial for your mental wellness than you may even realize!
1. Barker, Sandra B., and Kathryn S. Dawson. “The Effects of Animal-Assisted Therapy on Anxiety Ratings of Hospitalized Psychiatric Patients.” Anthrozoös, vol. 20, no. 2, 2007.
DAISY’s Random Acts of Kindness
These are some ways DAISY is spreading kindness this month
Cooking a meal for her sick friend. DAISY loves to try to make nutritious, healthful foods, so she is preparing something special for her friend that is sick. Could you bake or cook something for your friends? Or better yet, could you cook something together?
Complimenting people. DAISY is really good at picking out things to compliment – she always tells people how much she likes their outfit or smile, or she tells her friends how funny and smart they are. She also tries not to point out “flaws” or things that cannot be fixed within two minutes – she might tell someone they have a piece of lettuce in their teeth, but she would not tell them their teeth are crooked.
Reaching out to someone she hasn’t heard from in a while. Maybe you have an old friend or cousin who would like to chat and reconnect!
The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation has some other great ideas, and they even have a calendar with a different act of kindness every day!
Thank you for joining us on this mental health journey! Follow us Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn to stay up to date.
February is a great month to reconnect with our mental health practices, our friends, and nature. Despite the cold and gloom that many Americans are feeling, February can serve as a month to boost our mental wellness. As the New Year’s resolutions and accompanying excitement subside, try to practice self compassion and self care.
Connection as a Mental Health Tool
How connection to others can benefit your mental health
Humans are social animals. We need to interact with others to thrive and survive. Connecting to others can provide us with many benefits, such as:
Improving our ability to recover from stress, anxiety, and depression (ie increasing RESILIENCE). Social connection can help us cope with negative emotions, provide us with emotional support, and enhance our ability to deal with adversity. When we get to know people–and we allow them to know us–we can share our burdens and offer assistance and encouragement for navigating the travails of life. Linking ourselves to others can lead to increasing our “cheering section”; people become invested in us and can provide much-needed encouragement. This process strengthens our ability to recover from challenging times.
Promoting healthy habits and behaviors. Social connection can motivate us to eat well, exercise regularly, and maintain a healthy weight. When we know people care about us, we perceive we are valued and “seen”; feelings of worthiness can enable us to make healthy-er choices for our physical and mental health. Connecting to others can even reduce the risk of engaging in violent and suicidal behaviors.
Improving our sleep, well-being, and quality of life. Social connection can help us relax, enjoy life, and feel satisfied. It can also improve our self-esteem, confidence, and happiness. Spending time with others allows us to discuss challenges and “vent” frustrations. Having a trust-worthy outlet to express emotions–even the not-so-good ones (in a respectful way)–can prevent ruminating on them and/or an escalation of those emotions. Having a trusted “sounding board” (i.e. someone whose intentions you know are positive/”good”) gives us the opportunity to obtain feedback and gain understanding through others’ perceptions.
Reducing our risk of chronic diseases and increasing our longevity. Social connection boosts the immune system, lower blood pressure, and protects us from cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer. When we feel better emotionally, we often feel better physically, too. Experiencing connection can increase our sense of well being, which enhances our immune system and reduces inflammation in our bodies. It can also help us live longer, as people with stronger social connections are 50% more likely to survive than those with weakerconnections.
DAISY’s Random Acts of Kindness
These are some ways DAISY is spreading kindness this month
Donating a book to a Little Free Library. DAISY finished reading Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner. She really enjoyed it, and wants others to enjoy it as well, so she found a Little Free Library near her house.
Writing a letter to a loved one. Handwritten letters can brighten up someone’s day. Could you write a letter to your best friend, a parent, or teacher?
Taking a walk with her friend. This simple act is great to get DAISY and her friend outside, and allow them time to hang out in person.
The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation has some other great ideas, and they even have a calendar with a different act of kindness every day!
Thank you for joining us on this mental health journey! Follow us Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn to stay up to date.
If at times you have difficulty slowing your thoughts, YOU ARE NOT ALONE!💚 Racing thoughts–relentless, fast-moving, and uncontrollable thoughts that appear one after another –at “best” are frustrating and at worst cause disruption in managing mental health symptoms and can negatively impact one’s quality of life. While racing thoughts can be a symptom of various mental health conditions, including bipolar disorder, anxiety, and depression, they can also be just an irritating annoyance. Racing thoughts can cause impediments in daily life, including difficulty concentrating, insomnia, anxiety, and stress. They can also interfere with daily life and affect an individual’s ability to function normally. But…there IS good news! Racing thoughts can be successfully managed.
To avoid racing thoughts, there are several things you can do. One of the most effective ways to manage racing thoughts is to practice mindfulness meditation.Mindfulness meditation involves focusing on the present moment and observing one’s thoughts without judgment; this technique can help in becoming more aware of your thoughts and feelings and learn to control them better. Even going to a quiet place for a brief period of time be helpful. Deep breathing and focusing on something that usually makes you happy (like your child or a pet or an activity you always enjoy) is another easy-ish “tool” to use to gain control over chaotic thoughts.
Also, when we exercise, our bodies create chemicals (neurotransmitters) that help us feel better. If all you can do is go outside and take a walk, you can change your mood and redirect your attention and thoughts.
Racing thoughts–whether obsessive-compulsive thoughts, or a flight of ideas, or rumination–can vary in severity and be a challenging symptom of various mental health conditions. However, there are several things that individuals can do to manage them effectively. Practicing mindfulness meditation, engaging in physical exercise regularly, and seeking professional assistance via cognitive-behavioral therapy are all effective ways to avoid and manage racing thoughts.
What’s DAISY Reading?
Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner
DAISY is reading Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner. She has really enjoyed reading this memoir. Zauner is a Korean-American who lost her mom to cancer when she was younger, and she feels a particular connection to her mom, culture, and childhood through food. As a lover of food and humans, DAISY feels really moved by this book. It has made her laugh, cry in her own puppet way, and appreciate her mom a little more. Michelle Zauner is also in a band called “Japanese Breakfast.”
Thank you for joining us on this mental health journey! Follow us Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn to stay up to date.
Keep an eye out in the coming weeks for updates on our Mental Health Resources Day Fair! The event is going to be held at MacGregor Park in Houston, Texas. A special thanks to our premiere sponsor Move Nation Dance Academy and the local government for their cooperation! Additional details will be provided on our website or you can reach out to our founder, Seanda Blocker, at seandablocker@cr38v3m1nd5.com.
Holidays are Bluer for Some Than Others
The holiday season is often associated with feelings of warmth, joy, and belonging. However, for some people, this time of year can evoke feelings of loneliness, stress, and anxiety. These feelings are often referred to as the “holiday blues.” The holiday blues are a real phenomenon, but they are likely to have different effects than you might think.
There are several things that can be done to address the holiday blues. Easier steps to take for oneself include getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, spending time outdoors, and staying active. Seeking professional help is also an option. According to NAMI, 64% of people with an existing mental illness report that the holidays make their condition worse. It’s important to recognize the signs of significant holiday blues or depression in other people and to encourage them to seek help.
It’s important to note that there is a difference between the holiday blues, which typically go away when the holiday season ends, and more severe depression, which lasts longer and interferes with activities of daily living. If the holiday season passes and you’re still feeling depressed or anxious, it’s best to consult with a medical professional. However, if speaking with a therapist or counselor is too overwhelming, talking with a trusted friend or family member can be an easier way to initially address uncomfortable feelings.
While there is solid evidence that the suicide rate in the United States does not spike around the holidays, the holiday blues can still be a difficult time for some people. According to the U.S. Center for Health Statistics, the suicide rate is highest between April and August. However, low suicide rates don’t necessarily mean that the holiday blues aren’t a real phenomenon. It’s important to recognize the signs of significant holiday blues or depression in other people and to encourage them to seek help.
In summary, the holiday blues are a real phenomenon that can affect anyone, regardless of age. The reasons for sadness during the holidays are varied and can include financial stress, loneliness, grief, and unrealistic expectations. There are several things that can be done to address the holiday blues, including seeking professional help. It’s important to recognize the signs of significant holiday blues or depression in other people and to encourage them to seek help. Remember, the holiday blues are temporary and can be overcome with the right support and resources.
Holiday Traditions and New Year’s Resolutions
DAISY’s favorite ideas
DAISY knows that holidays can be tough, but she would like to share some thoughts on holiday traditions, including New Year’s resolutions.
Decorating, whether with many or few decorations, homemade or bought, can be fun and help your home feel merry!
If you have pets, it can be cute and entertaining to take pictures of them with holiday or winter items (think scarves, Santa hats, etc.)
Baking. Home made cookies, dog treats, banana bread and other snacks can be really therapeutic and help you bond as a family or with your friends!
Resolutions can be motivating for some, but it can also feel overwhelming or disappointing. Most people compare themselves to others, especially with social media being so prevalent. Keep in mind that most social media profiles only shine a spotlight on the “best” parts of people’s lives, and pictures and videos can be heavily edited. Some resolutions that might be more accessible for most people can include things like:
getting outside for 15 minutes/day
eat 2 servings of vegetables/day
cook one new recipe every week
read a book every month
volunteer at a new place (you could start writing letters to inmates through Letters for Change!)
Happy holidays, all!
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